Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Cervical Screening and Ovarian Cancer

Tuesday 11 July 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sharon Hodgson raised concerns about awareness of cervical screening and ovarian cancer.
  • Forty percent of UK women incorrectly believe their smear test detects ovarian cancer.
  • The Minister stated there is no evidence for an ovarian cancer screening programme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
NHS
Context

The MP highlights the need to increase public knowledge about cervical screening and ovarian cancer, emphasising the lack of clear messaging regarding ovarian cancer detection despite women's beliefs that smear tests detect it.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken to increase awareness of (a) cervical screening and (b) ovarian cancer. Target Ovarian Cancer found that 40% of UK women incorrectly believe their smear test detects ovarian cancer, yet there is no viable screening process for this condition. The messaging at smear tests remains unclear on this point. What measures are being taken to ensure accurate information is provided?

Answer from Helen Whately

Cervical screening saves approximately 5,000 lives annually. There is no evidence for an ovarian cancer screening programme. I will consider the question on whether information should be provided about this when women go for cervical smears.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The lack of clear messaging during smear tests regarding ovarian cancer detection was not fully addressed.

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Q2 Sharon Hodgson Lab Washington and Gateshead South
NHS
Context

The MP follows up on the previous question, focusing specifically on ensuring clear information is provided during cervical screening about ovarian cancer detection.

Question

I thank the Minister for her answer but Target Ovarian Cancer found that 40% of women in the UK wrongly believe their smear test will detect ovarian cancer. There is currently no viable screening process for ovarian cancer, yet messaging remains unclear when women are going for their smear test. What steps are being taken to ensure information provided at such screenings is clear?

Answer from Helen Whately

Cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives per year. There is no evidence supporting an ovarian cancer screening programme. I will take away the hon. Lady's question about whether there should be communications about this when people go for a cervical smear.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific issue of unclear messaging during cervical screenings regarding ovarian cancer detection was not addressed in detail.

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